TOKYO, Feb 2 Reuters Mizuho Financial Group Inc, Japan39;s thirdlargest lender by assets, reported on Friday an 8.2 increase in quarterly net profit, helped by brisk loan demand from companies and subdued loanloss provisions.

Mizuho posted a profit of 226.57 billion yen 1.54 billion in the OctoberDecember period versus 209.31 billion yen a year earlier, according to Reuters39; calculations based on ninemonth cumulative figures disclosed in a stock exchange filing.

The bank kept its fullyear profit forecast through March at 640 billion yen, which compares with the 646.67 billion yen average of 11 analysts39; estimates compiled by LSEG.

Mizuho joined larger domestic rival Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group SMFG in reporting solid thirdquarter profits backed by strong lending businesses, as Japanese companies began to invest in growth opportunities.

Japan39;s top lender Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group will report its quarterly results on Monday.

Japanese banks39; exposure to the U.S. commercial property market came under scrutiny after midsize lender Aozora Bank flagged its first annual net loss in 15 years on massive loanloss provisions, but analysts say the problems at Aozora are mostly unique.

1 146.7100 yen

Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Kim Coghill

Source Reuters